An Understanding Partnership for You and Your Baby
Beaumont Children’s award-winning Parenting Program
provides support and education to new parents through experienced parent
volunteers. Beaumont's award winning new parent support program
is a free, one-stop resource that provides extensive support and
education to first-time parents through experienced, trained parent
volunteers.
Specialized support is also available for:
- single mothers
- mothers experiencing postpartum depression
- families of neonatal intensive care infants
- families of multiples
Earlier discharges and limited family support can add to the stresses
of becoming a parent. The Parenting Program offers phone calls,
individual contact and parent groups to assist first-time parents in
caring for their newborn. The Parenting Program has helped more than
100,000 parents since it began in 1980.
Our volunteers are parents themselves and understand what it’s like
to suddenly be caring for a brand-new person. You may participate in all
aspects of the new parent support program or only those you feel will
be helpful. The Parenting Program provides information and emotional
support in individual and group settings. Experienced, trained parent
volunteers can answer questions, validate concerns, listen, and refer
families as needed.
The Parenting Program offers:
- individual family support - you and your family can receive support
from trained parent volunteers who interact with you by phone, email or
face-to-face meetings. Parent volunteers listen to concerns, answer
questions and help you build a strong support network.
- breastfeeding follow-up - a volunteer who has breastfed and
completed training will contact you to answer questions and provide
support for a positive breastfeeding experience.
- parent groups - groups begin meeting when babies are 3 to 5 months
old. The groups bring new parents and their babies together with a
trained parent group leader. Popular issues discussed in the group
include
- adjustment to parenthood
- childproofing your home
- common childhood illnesses
- development and temperament
- feeding your baby
- play, learning and reading
- postpartum adjustment support
- creates a safe and
supportive environment for families struggling with postpartum
adjustment. Specialists are available to support mothers experiencing a
difficult transition to parenthood or postpartum mood disorders.
- parenting classes